Calling a PRHT owners

[Santanig5]

Greetings drivers,
We are considering joining the Miata Life, you can read my story here “https://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?16766-Considering-a-NC”
We are considering the NC2 and ND models, but leaning towards the NC.
There seem to be many more PRHT versions available then soft top, my concern is reliability and the cost to repair if there are issues.
So I’d like to hear from you.
Are they reliable?
Are there any years I should avoid?
What should I be looking for when evaluating a potential purchase?

Thanks in advance.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[djwarner]

I have had zero problems with my 2011 Touring PRHT. I own/have owned several soft tops and they are not trouble free. In fact, soft tops REQUIRE replacement as they age.

[MLambert19]

I no longer own it, but I did own a 2012 PRHT Grand Touring for a few years.

In-my-opinion, the PRHT is a far better design than the new Targa. You truly get the best of both worlds: Top-down looks good and gives you the convertible experience, top-up provides better sound deadening and security than a cloth top. Win-win.

But, if security and top-up driving aren't a huge concern, the cloth tops on the NC and ND are incredibly simple to operate and should last for years.

-Matt

[kung fu jesus]

If I buy an NC I would strongly consider a PRHT. As mentioned above, best of both worlds.

My NA and NB, I exclusively ran a removable hardtop just because the comfort and security are better.

[kung fu jesus]

Bumping this up.

I am considering an NC. I am looking at 09-12 Tourings and 13-15 Clubs.

The rub is, to me, is the PRHT detrimental? Is it problematic?

I know removable hardtops are rare, but I do see them as available new from dealers. I am willing to pony up for that.

I do intend to do some track events. More and more organizations are allowing PRHTs on track so long as the top is up.

I’m wondering if I just hit the easy button on that.

I definitely want cloth seats, the 6sp manual and LSD.

I’m a little ambivalent on the way the PRHT looks top-up, but love the NCs with the removable tops.

[Agent☣Orange]

IMO, the way the PRHT looks with the top up is one of its most attractive attributes. If I get an NC in the future, it must have that top before anything else. I like the ND RF because it reminds me of a C6 Vette with the roof off. Unfortunately, it costs more than a C6 so that's out.

[kung fu jesus]

It’s that transition piece where the top meets the trunk that bothers me on the PRHT

[MiataQuest]

I like both NC hardtop versions but prefer the removable hardtop design better.
Looks like an S2000 hardtop.
Maybe the PRHT version might be a weight issue for you.

Or this?
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/df/cb/9f/dfcb9fd6a3f727eb528d4e48675fa699.jpg

My son has a Mazda 3 hatch with the 2.5 liter engine.
It runs strong!
That would be awesome swap for the NC.

[kung fu jesus]

That’s not the OE hardtop, I believe that is a version Rev9 sells for $3k. It is nice though. I do love how the OE original HT glass comes all the way down to the body. It’s a very clean look.

OE removable HT:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210221/b0c6824c0f06b8d80e679123d06eff73.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210221/865797cd47311b6ce9cbae587d24fefb.jpg

PRHT:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210221/2ed1af9fe5690117d578f040b6af9a11.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210221/28d543d519803b743730f9d5d71bf3bf.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210221/df2575f4671708456dbab0e7b9b05087.jpg

[Agent☣Orange]

That red PRHT is sooooo nice!

[kung fu jesus]

I’m lusting after the sunlight silver and white models. The PRHTs look better in the non-mica colors to me.

[MLambert19]

Bumping this up.

I am considering an NC. I am looking at 09-12 Tourings and 13-15 Clubs.

I know removable hardtops are rare, but I do see them as available new from dealers. I am willing to pony up for that.

I do intend to do some track events. More and more organizations are allowing PRHTs on track so long as the top is up.

I definitely want cloth seats, the 6sp manual and LSD.

Sounds like you already know which models to look for for the cloth seat/6speed/limited slip combo.

I think rollbar installation on a non-PRHT car is considerably easier... so if track duty is a concern, that might be a major consideration.

I'd do a cost comparison: Non-PRHT + adding a top and painting Vs. PRHT. Especially if you already prefer the RHT over the powered one. There's likely also some weight savings going that route.

-Matt

[kung fu jesus]

I’m considering not installing a rollbar.

Have to wait and see how the prices shake out, they are getting very affordable.